It wasn't until she met Raynetta Samuels, a physical therapist at Holy Name Medical Center, while accompanying her husband to his physical therapy sessions, that she finally felt hope.
“When we met, I asked what she specialized in and she told me pelvic floor therapy," said the patient. "I was skeptical at first but she was just amazing." The results of the therapy have been incredible, she said. "I felt better in just a week or two.”
Samuels is a women’s health physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor muscle problems. Although she works with patients of all physical therapy needs, she is an expert in providing relief from urinary incontinence with non-surgical, non-invasive methods.
“We really need to raise awareness about these conditions because no one talks about them – many women are embarrassed,” Samuels said. “But often, this easy treatment will cure their symptoms.”
About 20 million women nationwide endure urinary conditions that cause urinary frequency, urgency, bedwetting and pain. In some cases, women experience worsening symptoms for more than a decade.
In most cases, the condition is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles, which can often be strengthened with quick, easy-to-do exercises. One such workout includes Kegel exercises, which mimic stopping the flow of urine. Sluggish core muscles can also contribute to urinary problems and are addressed with physical therapy. At Holy Name, each woman is evaluated and given a plan tailored to meet her needs.
“What people need to understand is that they don’t have to live with these conditions,” said Samuels. “I’ve had women who have said they’ve been dealing with their discomfort for 20 to 30 years and are now symptom free.”